Birding in the Grasslands
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands offer diverse birding opportunities, particularly during migrations and nesting seasons. With nearly 300 species reported, the region supports a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland-specific birds. Birding enthusiasts can have a literal field day roaming through the grasslands. However, unless private landowners permit access to their property, please restrict your activities to public roadways when birding on private land. Area maps, resources, and guides are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page. Another helpful tool is the eBird.org website.
Contact the local Ranger District Office for more information.
Cedar River National Grassland
The Cedar River National Grassland is home to many bird species, including migratory waterfowl that make stopovers in the grassland. One might spot species such as the sharp-tail grouse, greater prairie chickens, wild turkeys, eagles, falcons, and sparrows. A few species are spotlighted in the photo galleries below. More appear on the Animals page. The publication Bird Status and Distribution on the Cedar River and Grand River National Grasslands is another useful resource.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Grand River National Grassland
The Grand River National Grassland is home to a wide variety of bird species, offering excellent birding opportunities, particularly for those interested in grassland birds. It's known for its breeding sites, which host various species, including Sprague's Pipits and Baird's Sparrows. A few species are spotlighted in the photo galleries below. More appear on the Animals page. The publication Bird Status and Distribution on the Cedar River and Grand River National Grasslands is another useful resource.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Little Missouri National Grassland
The Little Missouri National Grassland hosts diverse bird species populations inhabiting various ecosystems. American White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes are present for much of the year. Other species are part-time residents, such as the Northern Bobwhite, Short-eared Owls (in winter), Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs (in winter), Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissels, and Bobolinks (during migration), and more. More appear on the Animals page.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Sheyenne National Grassland
The Sheyenne National Grassland offers various birding opportunities, with diverse species inhabiting its various ecosystems. American White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes are present for much of the year. The area is also temporarily favored by species like Northern Bobwhite, Short-eared Owls (in winter), Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs (in winter), Grasshopper Sparrows, Dickcissels, and Bobolinks (during migration). A few species are spotlighted in the photo galleries below. More appear on the Animals page. The publication Bird Status and Distribution on the Sheyenne National Grassland - 2010 may be a good resource for an unforgettable birding experience.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Additional Avian Explorations in the Grasslands
Grouse Gatherings in the Grasslands
Grouse in the Dakotas are interesting and alluring animal inhabitants of the expansive prairie grasslands. These beautiful birds intrigue spectators with their unique behaviors and appearances. Dakota Prairie Grassland's wildlife biologists keep a close eye (and camera lens) on the sharp-tailed grouse, greater sage-grouse, and greater prairie chickens at communal breeding grounds called leks. Lean in and learn as we gander at grouse gatherings in the grasslands.
Featured Flighted Faunas in the Grasslands
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands are the permanent residence or stopover for many fascinating flighted fauna. Find a few featured photos on the Animals page, including Awesome Avians, Bountiful Butterflies, and Productive Pollinators. We also dug up images of some subterranean dwellers, the Western Burrowing Owls. While visiting the area, explore Marvelous Mammals, Writhing Reptiles, and Dangerous Dakota Denizens.